1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
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Greetings!
Here is your weekly news from UUMC.
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Hello,
I'm excited to bring you good news. Beginning February 13 we no longer need reservations for worship. We will continue to social distance. I ask you to sit in the pews marked with a smiley face only. We strongly encourage people to wear masks. This is mainly because we are a large group gathering, we sing and worship lasts about an hour. All of these things create a higher chance of infection.
We will continue to livestream at 10:30 a.m. We found a device that is working well for livestream while we wait for the new equipment to be installed. Therefore, we do not need to pre-record worship. Thank you for your understanding through the last six weeks. I'm grateful for your kindness for one another as we stayed apart.
Once again, welcome back!
Peace,
Pastor Alicia
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Sunday Worship | 10:30 a.m.
In Person and Facebook Live
Click Below to Join Worship on Sunday
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Please note: Every worship service remains "live" on our Facebook page. You are able to watch every one that has been done since we began online worship. They never go away. If you are unable to begin at 10:30, you can watch it at your leisure another time. |
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Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
Every Tuesday - 10 a.m.
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
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Worship | Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
February 13, 2022
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The trip we are taking with “A Woman’s Lectionary for the Whole Church,”
shines a light on God’s immense love for those who love her. We also see God’s distain for those who use shame and religion to stifle those called and created through God’s love who want to simply praise God and live in the light of God’s love.
A wonderful line from our text in Zephaniah relates God saying, “I will bring you all home.” Those words are our theme for today, “God will bring us all home.” As public health has become politicized, putting millions unnecessarily at risk, and as “What’s in it for me?” has replaced “loving your neighbor,” we need a rock, a cornerstone, an anchor to hold onto. God stands with us as we stand together, seeking, in the words of our mission statement to “Feed God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit.” God is truly here today.
Scripture
This week the scriptures are Acts 9: 36-42 and Luke 7: 11-17
Worship Music
Prelude: Going to the Promised Land - arr. Lani Smith
Postlude: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - arr. Chuck Marohnic
UUMC Sanctuary Renovations
- Please pardon our dust! Plaster workers will be repairing flood damage to the corners of the sanctuary for the next several weeks.
Online Giving
- For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
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Church Updates | New Information |
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Spiritual Gifts Assessment for Lent |
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We believe everyone has a gift.
As we begin a new year, we would like to explore the congregation's Spiritual Gifts so that we may give opportunities to use these gifts inside and outside of our church community. Please take a few minutes to take the UMC Spiritual Gifts Inventory this month. We would like you to report your findings to the church office by February 25 via email or drop off a printed copy. During Lent, we will connect with you about your God-given gifts.
Let's all work together Feeding God's People; Body, Mind and Spirit in our own way.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Alicia and Ann Owens
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UUMC Happenings at a Glance |
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Below, in bulletpoint format, you will find what's happening (at a glance) at UUMC. Further within the newsletter are full details for some events. If you would like to attend committee meetings, please contact Pastor Alicia (pastor@uumcsyracuse.org) to RSVP.
- Mondays, 6 p.m. - Bible Study with Pastor Beth
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
- Wednesdays, 7 a.m. - Morning Prayers with Pastor Alicia
- Wednesdays, 7 p.m. - Prayer Group with Pastor Alicia
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Outreach Update—Galyn Murphy-Stanley |
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In January, winter’s cold blast finally arrived in Syracuse, forcing us to close two Friday Emergency Food Distributions and two Sunday Community To-Go Breakfasts.
1,509 Individuals received Emergency Foods at three Sunday Community Breakfasts and two Friday Emergency Food Box distributions.
The Thursday morning clothing closet is still temporarily closed for the months of January and February as Onondaga County COVID numbers increase again. We are hopeful for a March re-opening of this space.
Know that we are in great need of clean, gently used outerwear including boots, tall, thick socks, waterproof gloves and warm hats. Contact me at outreach@uumcsyracuse.org to arrange for drop off time and/or more information. These items are still being distributed during our Sunday Community Breakfast in the Narthex.
ACR Health moved its “No Hitch” to-go lunch to an outdoor distribution manner for COVID safety. On 1/13 and 1/27 wonderful, hot lunches were served to-go to our neighbors and staff. On Thursday, February 10, and Thursday, February 24, come pick up your lunch outside our 324 University Ave. door. All are welcome.
Five large boxes of winter coats were gathered from “Operation Orange Warm-Up,” a 1st annual event where Carrier Dome basketball ticket holders donate outerwear to non-profit agencies of Syracuse who, in turn, move the outerwear to the people of Syracuse. We are VERY grateful to be a part of this effort and look forward to further events.
Looking forward to February, we are putting our late winter and spring energy toward networking, lecturing, grant writing and joining with others regarding expansion/ maintenance of all of our Outreach efforts, creating space for new unions and education is the focus.
Respectfully submitted,
Galyn Murphy-Stanley
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Tuesdays during Virtual Coffee with the Pastor, beginning March 1: Discussion on the Full to the Brim Lenten Devotional Book.
Sundays at 6 p.m., beginning March 6: John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton, $13 in paperback at cokesbury.com.
Mondays at 6 p.m., beginning March 7: We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor Peoples Campaign, edited by Liz Theoharis, $16 at cokesbury.com.
If you'd like to order your book through the church, let Desi know by Feb. 22.
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We will be hosting a class for new members on March 1 at 1 p.m. If you'd like to be a member, reach out to the church office by then! If this date isn't convenient for you, please let us know and we'll set up a different time.
New members will be inducted Sunday, March 27.
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Wednesday morning prayer via Zoom |
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Every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. we gather for a zoom prayer meeting. It is open to everyone: come once, come every week, but you are invited to join us at any time: zoom link: Join Zoom Prayer
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JOIN PASTOR ALICIA ON A TRIP TO SCOTLAND
You're invited to join us as we explore scared locations in Scotland (as well as Ireland) on the Celtic Christianity in Scotland tour. The trip is scheduled for September 14 - 23, 2022. Our goal is to bring you into an even closer relationsip with God. Part of our adventure includes daily devotionals, prayer, and of course, fun! Below is the itinerary.
- 9/14 - Depart US on an international overnight flight
- 9/15 - Weclome to Scotland
- 9/16 - Lismore
- 9/17 - Mull and Iona
- 9/18 - Oban to Glasgow
- 9/19 - Whithorn
- 9/20 - Glasgow to Edinburgh
- 9/21 - Edinburgh
- 9/22 - Dunfermline and St. Andrew's
- 9/23 - Depart from Edinburgh for return home
Please note that each stop presents certain physical demands with regards to tours, walking, etc. For complete details, please contact Pastor Alicia. Pamphlets are available at the Church.
The cost starts at $3,898 per person.
Save the date and bring a friend!
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Performances have returned, taking place each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. If you need a ride, contact Jayne Humbert or Nelson Price. You can find the location and show for each week's performance on the Civic Morning Musicals website. |
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Please note: Prayer requests and comments submitted in the chat during our online service are public knowledge, as the church’s Facebook page is open to all.
As a caring church, we hold one another in prayer. The names in the next sentence are selected each week from the church directory, generally in alphabetical order. This week, please pray for:
Leanna King, and Desi and Emma Gillespie
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The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.
Aimee: Please pray for the Moriarty and Lacasse family in the loss of their 32 year-old, Brian.
Angela: Pray for my friend, Werner, with health issues, and for my friend, whose grandmother passed away.
Anonymous: For Laura, struggling with cancer.
Anonymous: Keep Mike C. in your prayers.
Anonymous: Please pray for a woman with brain cancer who may be in her last days here, that she may find peace with God.
Anonymous: Please pray for Peg’s friend Cindy, whose son died this past week.
Anonymous: Prayers for family and friends of Kellie’s mom.
Anonymous: Prayers for quick healing for Katie.
Barb W.: Please pray for my granddaughter, MacKenzie S., who is having pregnancy problems.
Connie: Kim and Tim as they struggle with COVID.
Erika: Prayers for Maria S., and family prayers for all who are in the hospitals.
Gwen: Prayers, and I too am learning, from my daughter-in-law.
Jeanne: Healing prayers for our teen, NyKira who is experiencing massive headaches.
Karen: Continued prayers for my granddaughter Siggy... recently diagnosed with celiac disease… lots of new things to learn!
Mamie: Prayers for my children, all seven of them, and 16 grandchildren.
Sherri: Prayers for Anne, Cooper and Spencer, Sue for continuing healing from surgery and her dad. Kathy and Jayne. Thankful that granddaughter and her husband found a job
Valerie: Please pray for more financial freedom for me.
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At University United Methodist Church, we believe that church is more than just a building; it’s a way of living. It’s connecting with others — in compassion, love, justice, service and fellowship. Volunteers assist with outreach in a number of ways. |
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Weather-related Closings UUMC Outreach |
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Food Center @ 324 University Ave.
University United Methodist Church
Please tune into news channel 9, 3, 5 (CNY Central) or Spectrum News to learn if we are closed during foul weather or extreme cold. Please check for “University United Methodist Church or the Food Center @ 324 University Ave.” for closing information.
As a guide; we will close if the wind chill or temperature is 20 degrees Farenheit or below, receive 5 inches or more of snow, if there is freezing rain or if the Syracuse City School District is closed for bad weather.
We strive to remain open every Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for our Emergency Food Distribution, as well as every Sunday from 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. for our community breakfast. However, extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall and ice are dangerous to our workers, your vehicles, our guests who wait outside and the arriving Food Bank trucks.
Thank you for understanding!
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UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet Update |
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In light of the New York outbreak of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the clothing closet will be closed until March. This was a tough decision, but we ultimately had to protect the health and safety of our volunteers.
Those in need of winter coats can still stop by our winter clothing rack in the Narthex during Sunday morning bagel breakfasts each week from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Donations are still being accepted for the clothing closet. Preferred drop-off times are Thursday mornings and Friday afternoon. If necessary, you may call or email Galyn to set up an alternate time. Please see our list of acceptable items before dropping off your donation.
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February Volunteer Opportunities |
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Ongoing Requests
Little Free Library
We need books to be donated for our library. Contact Desi at the church office office@uumcsyracuse.org to arrange a drop-off time.
Yarn and Knitting
Jayne Humbert continues to knit items to prepare for the fall and winter. If you are interested in donating yarn or would like more information, please contact Jayne at: daffodil.joy.100@gmail.com
Pet Food Needed
If you’re able to donate pet food, please call or email the office for an appointment to drop it off.
Hygiene Items Needed
Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant – have been in high demand and much appreciated. If you are able to donate those, please call the office to arrange a time for drop-off.
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RESTART Special Winter Request |
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With the arrival of frigid winter temperatures, we have some families who are without warm blankets. Donations of gently used or new, twin, full and queen blankets would be appreciated. Please bring them to Erwin or contact Evelyn Disinger.
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Ongoing RESTART Ministry Requests
Restart remains in need of many items, as they go out quickly to those in need. In addition to metal bed frames for twin, full and queen beds, there is a need of hand towels, kitchen towels and pot holders.
The bed frames must be complete with no missing feet/wheels and brackets. If you have frames that fit this description, please contact Jackie Sadowski at 315-463-8025
OR — Bed frames cost $45, and if you prefer to buy new ones for Restart, make checks payable to "SUMM" and put "Restart" on memo line. Checks should be sent to UUMC.
Also, we need bath towels, pillows, cookware. These items don't need to be new but should be in usable condition. Blankets are always needed.
More ways to help RESTART
The team has set up a wish list on Amazon.com. Click the link to below to view a list of needed items. Choose what you would like to donate by adding items to your cart. When done shopping, go to checkout for payment. Be sure to select “Restart Ministries c/o Evelyn Disinger” for the mailing address. The items will be shipped directly to Restart.
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Donations we accept for use at UUMC:
- Clean, gently used clothing, winter (thick) socks, gloves, hats, and outerwear (Machine washable ONLY)
- Clean, gently used shoes & boots
- Undamaged books
- Cat & Dog foods (Unexpired)
- Undamaged/unopened shelf stable foods (Unexpired)
- Unopened/undamaged personal hygiene items. Specifically; toothpaste, (individually wrapped) toothbrush, shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, lotion, women’s sanitary items
- Baby diapers, baby wipes and unopened, unexpired foods for baby
- Face Masks (Never worn, paper or cloth)
Financial donations drafted to University United Methodist Church with the destination in memo (i.e.: Food Center, winter clothing, breakfast, pet foods, etc.)
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Donations we accept for United Methodist RESTART Ministry
- Clean, gently worn pots, pans, flatware, glasses, tableware (plates, bowls, mugs (not plastic))
- Clean, gently used bed blankets, sheet sets & towels (Machine washable ONLY)
- Financial donations drafted to the Syracuse United Methodist Ministries, with Restart noted on the memo line.
For donations of lamps or furniture contact Jackie Sadowski at jlsadowski@aol.com or, Interfaith Works 315-449-3552. Both of these sites fill a home or apartment for someone whose life is in transition or “Restarting”
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Time capsule found during demolition of historic church |
In the tornado outbreak of last December, the historic First United Methodist Church of Dresden, Tennessee, was damaged beyond repair. Demolition was a sad necessity.
But in the process of taking down the church, workers found an all-but-forgotten time capsule from 1923 in the cornerstone of the building.
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The remains of the church's historic facade following the December 2021 tornado. |
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2021 Annual Conference Reports |
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UM News posts the official summaries filed by annual conferences from around the connection. Find the latest reports on our archive page.
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Daily Anti-Racism Prayers
Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church offers anti-racism prayers emailed to you Monday through Friday. To sign up to receive them, click the link below.
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Please click the link below to read United Methodist news from around the country and world on UM News Digest.
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Music and the Message, Malmgren Concert Series - Hendriks Chapel
Featuring musical performances and spoken reflection from diverse religious and spiritual perspective, Music and the Message returns for the Spring 2022 season.
Each week on Sunday at 4 p.m., starting Feb. 13 through May 8, programs will be held in person at Hendriks Chapel or be available online via Zoom.
The formerly separate Malmgren Concert Series has now been incorporated into this larger program. It will still feature Esther Malmgren's beloved organ.
All are welcome at these gatherings, which seek to nurture the soul and reignite the spirit!
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ACTS Update
The Annual Meeting of ACTS was held via Zoom on January 27, 2022. Board President Rev. Eric Jackson, Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church, convened the meeting which included statements of appreciation for the four retiring board members and welcoming of new board members. New staff members were recognized with appreciation expressed for the work they do for ACTS.
The Youth Council reported on their work with the Syracuse City School District in establishing college and career centers in the high schools. A review was presented of the past year’s accomplishments by ACTS, and plans form the year ahead were proposed.
Names of current board and staff members are available from the ACTS office.
Ginny and Bob Dewey,
UUMC Representatives to ACTS
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UUMC Recognized in Pam Hunter's Newsletter
Two articles in New York State Assemblywoman Pam Hunter's newsletter featured University United Church.
In one, she discussed her visit to our 150th anniversary celebration in September, where she spoke to us about the church's impact on Syracuse.
Another featured Pam Hunter's joining the ribbon cutting ceremony for Win Gaskin Homes, a housing project named for a late UUMC member.
When we make a difference in our community, it is noticed! Be ready to spread the word and love of God whenever you are asked about the work UUMC is doing!
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UUMC Featured in Daily Orange Article
A recent article from the Daily Orange, the independent student media organization at Syracuse University, documented UUMC's experience in weathering the pandemic. Featured alongside several other houses of faith, our reslience is a testimony to the grace of God and all the good work continuing to be done here!
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Thank you, Senator May!
New York State Senator Rachel May's office graciously donated 50 KN95 masks and 100 COVID-19 rapid tests to the church office this past week.
We so appreciate her generosity! Thank you!
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The ACTS Race Matters Book Club will be discussing “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee on Monday February 28 @ 7 p.m. on Zoom.
There are 24 copies in the Onondaga County Public Library system, so it should be accessible for all. However, if you wish to order your own copy,
Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date.
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COVID Info
Tests
The federal government has made four at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 available to every American. Go to covidtests.gov to order yours. If you need assistance using the Internet to order these tests, please call the church office.
Vaccines
Go to this link to see if there are appointments available: COVID
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